Sheet stacking machine



SHEET STACKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS y 1945- H. w. LINDGRENEI'AL 2,375,241

SHEET STACKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 a Shee ts-Sheet 3 NM a R .E N 3 m. S w. A w\ w w 3 1 m N% Q \fi z: NM I R\\ g N \M & x R

y H. w. LlNDGREN ETAL 2,375,241

SHEET STACKING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 27, 1942- INVENTORS 4/ A T To EX/ZYS May 1945- H. w. LINDGR EN ETAL I 2,375,241

, SHEET STACKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 y 1945- H. w. LINDGREN EI'AL 2,375,241

SHEET STACKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27,1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 BY ToRj A T ToENEYs May 8, 1945- H. w. LINDGREN ET AL SHEET STACKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2'7, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Ma 3,1945

SHEET STAOKING new w. Lin

dn-en. Pistakee Bay, and Fred B.

Nemitr, Waulregan, Ill., alsignors to American Can Company,

of New Jersey New York, N. Y... a corporation Application August 27, 1942. Serial No. 450.3%

13 Claims. (oi. 93-93) The present invention relates to machines for stacking sheet material and has particular reference to arranging the sheets into stacks having a counted predetermined number of sheets in each stack.

An object of the invention is the provision of a sheet stacking machine wherein sheets moving along a conveyor are counted andare arranged into stacks or piles of a predetermined number of sheets so that the sheets may be readily handled for subsequent operations.

Anbther object is the provision of such a stacking machine wherein the counting and the arranging of the sheets into stacks is eflected in a continuous manner and wherein is prevented stoppage or other interference with the progress of the process'on of sheets entering the machine for counting and stacking.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings: I

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sheet stacking machine embodying the instant invention, with parts broken away;

Fig. 2 is a schematic side elevation of principal parts of the machine showing how the sheets travel through the machine and are stacked;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse section taken substantially along the lines 3-8 in Fig.1. with parts broken away and parts not shown;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the lines 5-4 in Fig. 3, with parts broken away; I Fig.5 is an enlarged top plan View of the conveyor section of the machine shown at the right in Fig. 1, with parts broken away;

Fig. .6 is an enlarged horizontal section taken substantially along the line 6-8 in Fig.4, with parts broken away:

' the skid B, which mechanism and is supported in an tially along the lin ll-id in Fig. 13, with parts broken away; and a Fig. 15 is a'wiring diagram of the electric apparatus used in the machine, the view showing principal parts of the machine around which the electric apparatus is centered.

As a preferred embodiment of the invention the drawings illustrate a stacking machine in which sheets A (Figs. 1 and 2) of tinplate or the likematerial are stacked onto a skid B which may be removed manually on a hand truck 0 when a predetermined number of sheets have been placed in the stack. The sheets are received preferably in a\ continuously moving procession fromany suitable source of supply, such as from a baking oven, a coating machine, a trimming machine'or the like.

The sheets A to be stacked, enter the machine on a horizontal endless feed-in conveyor D. While moving along with the conveyor, the sheets are counted by a counting finger E which actuates an electric re-set countingdevice housed in a cabinet F. Such a counting device may be of the character disclosed in United \States Patent 2,087,039, issued July 13, 1937, to A. J.McMaster on Counting system.

As the sheets are counted they are carried to is temporarily located adjacent the discharge end of the conveyor, and are delivered onto the skid to form a stack. The skid while being loaded is supported 'in an elevator mechanism, generally indicated by the letter H.

The elevator mechanism H while supporting a skid B being loaded with sheets, also carries an empty skid 0' (see also Fig. 3). This empty skid is located in the upper portion of the elevator operated holding device K. 5

At the end of a count, -when a predetermined 49 number of sheets to be stacked on the skid B have Figs. 7 and 8 are enlarged sectional details taken substantially along the lines 1-4, 04 in Fig. 1, with parts broken away:

Figs. 9 and 10 are enlarged details showing electric switch constructions used in the machine. with parts broken away and parts shown in section:

Fig. 11 is an enlarged schematic view showing the operation of high and low stacl? electric switches used in the machine, with parts broken. away and parts shown in section;

F g. 12 is a part sectional view of the high stack switch used in the machine. with parts broken away:

Fig. 13 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line i8l3 in Fig. 4, with parts broken away;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal section taken substanpassed the counting finger E, the counting device in the cabinet F-raises a gate L intothe path of travel of the sheets. The raised gate diverts the following sheets from the main horizontal conveyor D and guides them onto an auxiliary inclined conveyor M as best shown in Fig.2.

With the actuation of the gate L a new count for a new stack is started by the counting device. The sheets diverted to the inclined conveyor M are carried by the conveyor to the upper portions of the elevator mechanism and are delivered onto the empty skid J while the onto the truck C. In this action, the elevator becomes what may be termed a "lowerator. ,The loaded truck then may be removed to any suitable place of deposit.

After removal of the loaded truck C, a new truck place in the elevator nism is then actuated electrically loaded skid Bis lowered the shifting of permit the entering sheets to travel along the blocks 28 secured to form'IN' to the upper part of the machine to receive the skid J then being loaded with sheets. Upon receiving the skid. the platform is lowered to a position just below the; level of the main conveyor D, or in other words, in the place previously occupied by skid B. \Bimuitaneously with this skid, the gate L is lowered to main conveyor skid.

During this shifting oi the skid to its lower level} the counting of the sheets continues and the delivering oi the sheets at the lower level and onto the to the skid continues so portion of the machine. These shaft 2. In this manner. the two conveyors are actuated intimed relation.

longitudinal guide rails II, I disposed adjacent the two conveyors D and M. respectively. guide the sheets. A in their travel through this guide rails are secured to the bearing brackets 20. It and It. Wide and narrow support rollers 01. 8 (Figs. 1

that the stack when completed will contain an exact number of sheets It is during this counting of sheets with the skid J, at the lower sheet receiving level iormerly occupied by the skid B that a new skid J may be inserted manually in the upper level position.

The main conveyor D comprises a plurality of spaced and parallel, narrow endless belts 2i (Fig. 5) which extend longitudinally of the machine. These belts operate over a plurality of drivins pulleys 22 and a plurality of idler pulleys 28 (see also Figs. 1 and 2), The driving pulleys are mounted on a transverse drive shalt 24 while the idler pulleys are mounted on a cross shaft 2!.

The shafts 24. 25 are journale'd in bearing a pair of spaced and parallel longitudinal beams 21 which constitute a portion of the main frame of the machine. The beams at the entrance end of the machine may, be supported on some sheet handling apparatus which as far as the present machine is concerned will constitute the source of supply or the sheets A. At the discharge end or the machine, the beams are supported on pivot pins 3i which are carried in brackets 82 bolted to a pair or inner upright frame legs I3 whlchtogather with a similar pair of outer legs 34 constitute the main irame or the elevator and lowerator mechanism H.

The drive shaft ll of the main conveyor D is rotatedby a sprocket 3!. which is carried on an outer end of the shaft. and over which an endless chain It operates. The chain II is driven by a sprocket is (Fig. 1) mounted on a driven shaft 39 journaled in a bearing bracket ll bolted to the iioor. The driven shaft 39 carries a sprocket 43 which is rotated by an endless chain ll actuated by a driving sprocket I mounted on a rotor shait ll of an electric motor 41. The motor is bolted in place on top of a gear housing 48 secured t9 a base plate I! which forms a portion of the ma-. chine frame. This motor constitutes the main driving element of the entire machine.

Theauxiliary inclined conveyor M is shorter than the main conveyor D and is located above the main conveyor adjacent its discharge end, see also Figs. 2 and 5. This auxiliary conveyor comprises a plurality of spaced and parallel narrow endless belts I2 which operate over a plurality of driving pulleys It and idler pulleys II. The idler pulleys are mounted on a transverse idler shaft 56 jqurnaled in a pair or spaced bearing brackets It bolted to the frame beams 11. The driving pulleys I3 are mounted on a drive shaft 51 which is journaled in a pair of spaced bearing brackets 58 bolted to the. inner legs 33 of the elevator mecha nism H.

The auxiliary conveyor drive shaft Bl is rotated by a sprocket 62 which is mounted on an outer end or theshaft and which is rotated by an endless chain which operates over the sprocket. The chain also operates over a driving sprocket as which is carried on the main conveyor drive and 5) are disposed adjacent the discharge ends of the two conveyors D and M for supporting the sheets A during their transfer from the conveyors to the skids B and J as hereinbeiore mentioned. These rollers are mounted on a pair of vertically aligned cross shafts 88. the ends 01- the lower shaft being carried in the conveyor drive shaft brackets 26 and the upper shaft being journaled in the brackets 58.

The gate L (Figs. 1, 2 and 5) is located adjacent the lower or entrance end of the auxiliary conveyor M. This gate includes a plurality ot spaced andparallel g'ate arms II secured to a transverse pivot or actuating shalt I2. These arms are disp sed in pairs arranged one adjacent each outer edge of each of the main conveyor belts 2|. The

actuating shaft 12 is located below the upper run of the main conveyor D and is carried in bearing brackets I4 bolted to the frame beams 21.

The gate actuating shaft 12 is rocked in its bearings at the proper time by a lever arm I! which is mounted on the shaft. The outer end 0! the arm is pivotally connected to a movable core I6 of an electric solenoid l1 bolted to one of the frame beams 21. Normally the solenoid is in a deenergized condition when in this condition, the usual spring located within the solenoid. holds its core 18 and the connecting lever arm 15 in such a position that the gate arms II are substantially horizontal and are disposed below the upper run or the main conveyor D so that the sheets A will travel the full length of this conveyor. It is only when the solenoid I1 is energized. as will-be hereinafter described in connection with the description of the wiring diagram, that the gate arms II are brought into and are held in the raised position shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The counting finger E is located adjacent and immediately in front of the gate L, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 5. This counting finger is disposed in the path of travel of the sheets A as they move along on the main conveyor D and is mounted on a cross shaft 18 located below the upper run of this conveyor. Cross shaft II is carried in bearing brackets bolted to the frame beams 21. One end of the shaft carries a lever 19 which connects with a, movable element of a normally closed electric countingswitch 80 bolted to one of the frame beams 21. The finger is held in its normal position in the path of travel of the sheets by a tension spring. -One end of the spring is connected to the beam and its opposite end is connected to the lever 19.

Hence as each of the sheets A enter the 'machine on the main conveyor D, it depresses the counting finger E as it passes by. Depression of the finger opens the switch 80 and this actuates the counting device P which registers one count.

Ordinarily the counted sheets pass over the horizontally disposed gate L and travel along the main conveyor D. At the discharge and of the main conveyor, the sheets travel over the lower support rollers 61. 68 and are delivered onto the skid B which is in proper receiving position in the lowerator mechanism H, as hereinbeiore explained.

This skid B while being located with sheets closely adjacent the inner surfaces of the legs.-, The two brackets of each pair are tied together by two spaced and parallel longitudinal rods 22 and by an angle iron rail 83. The ansle iron rail rest in a square notch 84 formed in the inner ends of the brackets. The rails form seats forthe opposite ends of the platform N. A

Each bracket 8| carries two vertically spaced and aligned rollers 88 which operate in vertical tracks 81 formed in guide rails 88 secured inside of the inner and outer framelegs 88, 3!. Each bracket further is secured to the ends of a vertical elevator or lowerator chain 9|. There are thus four of these chains 9!, located two on each side of the mechanism. These chains operate over pairs of upper and lower sprockets 92, 93.

The upper sprockets 92 are mounted on longitudinal idler shafts 94 (see also Fig. 1) which are carried in bearingsji bolted to the frame legs. The lower sprockets 98 are the drive sprockets and they are mounted on drive shafts 81. The outer ends of the drive shafts are carried in bearings 98 bolted to the outer legs Mof the lowerator frame. The inner ends of these drive shafts are carried in bearings 99 (see also Figs. 6 and 8) formed in gear casings I i which are bolted to the inner legs 33 of the lowerator frame. Thus there is one gear casing on each side of the mechanism.

The drive shafts 8'! are adapted for rotation in two directions for raising and lowering the brackets 8i and the platform and skid carrier thereon. For this purpose each shaft 97 carries a bevel gear I05 (Fig. 8) which is housed within its gear casings Hit and which meshes with bevel gears I86. Gears I 06 are mounted on the outer ends of a transverse speed reducer shaft I Ill. Centrally the speed reducer shaft extends through and is rotated by a commercial speed reducer mechanism of suitable construction. there being many types of such on the market. This reducer is housed in a casing III mounted on the base plate 69.

The speed reducer mechanism is actuated by a reversing drive shaft I I2 (Figs. 6 and 7) which extends through the gear housing 58 and which is carried in bearings H3 formed in opposite ends of the housing. Within the housing the reversing drive shaft carries two loose reversing bevel gears IId which are located opposite each other and which mesh with one driving gear I I5. The driving gear is mounted on the inner end of the machine drive shaft 39 which is continuously rotated by the motor d'l.

Between the two loose reversing gears lit, the

reversing shaft I I2 carries a clutch head I I8 which is feathered on the shaft and which is slidable therealong. The ends of the clutch head are formed with teeth I I9 which are engageable with teeth I2I in the hubs of the reversing gears I I4 when the clutch head is shifted into engagement with one or the other of these gears. Shifting of the clutch head is brought about by an actuating lever I23 which is mounted o'n.a pivot pin I24 carried in the gear housing 48.

The'inner end of the lever I2'3 is formed with a yoke I25 which surrounds the clutch head 8. The ends of the yoke carry head shifting pins I28 which operate in an annular groove I21 s a formed in the clutch head. The outer end of the lever extends through an opening I29 in the gear housing 48 andxis pivotally connected to,the middle of a link is 5 connected to the cores I32 of two oppositely disposed", ,and normally deenergizedelectric solenoids The solenoids I32; I are. secured to brackets in which are bolted to the gear housing to. Two I tension springs I located one on each side of the actuating lever I23 hold'the latter normally in a neutral position so that the clutch head II! is out of engagement with both of the. reversing gears. The inner end of 'each of these springs is connected to the lever while each opposite end is attached to a lug I31 formed on each solenoid bracket I85. Hence when one or the other of the reversing solenoids I33, I84 is energized, its core I32 draws the' actuating lever I23 out of its central posi-' tion and toward the solenoid. This slides the clutch head H8 along the reversing shaft H2 and brings it into engagement with the hub teeth of the opposite reversing gear I15. Engagement of the clutch head with a reversing I. The ends of the link are gear, through the medium of the teeth H8, I24

on these parts, causes the clutch head to revolve in the same direction as the engaged gear. It is this connection thatrotates the reversing shaft H2 in the desired direction and through the speed reduction mechanism, rotatesthe elevator drive shafts 91 in the proper direction and at the proper time to raise or lower the brackets 8|. the platform N and a skid. I r

In the machine shown in the drawings the solenoid I33 is termed the "up-solenoid" and when this solenoid is energized thebracketsti will move up. Solenoid ass isthe;.down-sole-- hold and when energized, the; bracketswill move down. i

As the sheets A are deliveredfto the. skidwB and are piled in a stack thereom.the-skidds.

lowered a little at a time to keep-the top of the stack slightly below the upper run of the conveyor D from which the sheets are delivered. This lowering of the skid is effected by. periodically energizing the down solenoid I34 througha high stack electric switch M2 '(Figs. 11 and 12).

This switch is normally open. The movable elehousing. The opposite endof the: arm hangs down adjacent and just above the-inner edges held by a tension spring I48 in-suchapositiom ment of the switch is engaged by one endof a of the sheets A in thestack-on the skid and is When the pile of sheets becomes high enough to press the arm I48 inwardly against the resistance of the spring iddpthe arm closes the switch I42 and thereby establishessuitablezcircults connecting with the downsolenoid I34. This energizes the solenoid and starts the lowerator mechanism. in operation: to: lower. the, skid.

After this downward movement has once startedv it is no longer controlled'by the switch 2. and

the descent of the stack continues'after the-rarm; I43 has cleared the top of" the stack (Fig.:.11)'

and the switch I has opened.

When the skid has moved down .a predetermined distance, which preferably'is about one "mally closed low stackelectric switch I49. This 15 low stack switch is actuated'by'awirearm 'Ibi stops 'iurther lowerator action.

Thereupon' its spring swings the arm outwardly over the top of the stack. This opens the switch in and thereby breaks the down solenoid circuit. De-energising of the down solenoid thus and low stack switches in. m are secured to upri ht guide-rails I" (Figs. 3 and '4) whiehare fastened to a pair of crossbars I" the ends of which are bolted to the inner legs 88 of the lowerator frame. These The high stack rails maintain the delivered sheets in a uniform- Closing of this switch energizes the up-solenoid stack with-their edges in vertical alignment.-

The rails cooperate with aifaligning or stop plate Ill (see also Fig. l) whichis disposed, adjacent the outer legs a of the machine frame. The stop plate I is removable and is suspended from a cross-rod I85. the ends ot which are carried on serrated upper edges of a pair oi horizontal support bars I86 bolted to the frame legs N. The plate may thus be adjusted into any desired position relative to the stationary guide rails m or may be entirely removed if desired. The sheets A as they are discharged from the conveyor D strike against this plate and fall onto the stack on the skid B and are aligned between the plate and the stationary guide rails Ill.

At the end of a count, when a predetermined number of sheets A have been counted by the counting finger E, the gate L raises into place to deflect the following sheets up onto the auxiliary conveyor M and these sheets are counted as part of a new series for a new staclnas hereinbefore mentioned. Sheets at the tail end of the old series and still on the conveyor D beyond the gate L, are delivered to the stack on the skid B-to complete the stack. There is thus a predetermined counted number of sheets in the stack.

In the instant machine each stack preferably consists of eleven hundred twenty sheets. this being an even multiple of base boxes of ordinary plate used in can manufacture. when the eleven hundred twentieth sheet is counted. the

gate L lifts to divert the eleven hundred-twentyj first sheet. Such a diverted sheet becomes numher one for the next stack beginning to form on the empty skid J at the discharge end of the auxiliary conveyor M. Thus there is no stopping of the machine at the end of a count and this permits of continuous feeding oi the sheets from the source of supply.

While this new stack is forming on the upper skid J, the loaded skid B is lowered onto the truck C by actuation of the lowarator through a further energizing of the down solenoid I. Energizing of the down solenoid for this pur- I which controls the rotation of the drive shafts 81 for the ascension.

When the empty platform N reaches the load-- lng skid J the elevator is stopped by actuation of a limit switch I18 (Figs. 3 and 15). The switch is tripped by a pin I" which is secured to one of the chains 8|. Actuation of the switch deenergises the up-soienoid and it is this action that stops the up travel of the elevator and the platform N carried thereon The upper skid J which it will be recalled was positioned by hand above the lowered skid receiving the counted sheets, is supported on a pair of angle lr 0n rails I85 (Figs. '3, 4 and 13) These rails extend longitudinally of the elevator mechanism along two sides thereof between the inner and Outer frame legs 33. 34. These rails are directly above the brackets 8l' when the latter are in raised position. Each rail I85 is secured to a pair of spaced and parallel depending holding arms In which form parts of the hold- III which extend at right angles to the bearing blocks, 1. e.,- transversely of the machine.

These sleeves fit tightly onto a pair of spaced and parallel rods IOI which extend across the top of theelevator mechanism. The ends of the rods Ill are secured in bosses I82 formed in longitudinal tie beams I81 which are bolted to the tops of the inner and outer frame legs 83. 34 (see Figl). J

Sheets A delivered from the auxiliary conveyor M to the skid J supported by the holding arms I88, are guided into stack formation by a pair of hanging side guide plates m (Figs. 3, 4 and 13), by inner stationary vertical guide rails I85, and by an outer hanging stop plate I88.'- The side guide plates I94 are bolted to lugs m which are formed on the bearing blocks I88. These plates I84 are formed with depending narrow extensions I98 which hang down through slotsl" (Fig. 13) in the skid support rails I85. This assists in guiding the sheets into place on the skid. Plates I 84 may be slotted vertically, as at "I, Fig. 4, to permit adjustment relative to the lugs Isl. V

The stationary guide rails I85 are secured to p a cross-bar 282 which is bolted to the inner frame pose is effected manually by the closing of a nor- 1 legs 83. These guide rails are shorter than the guide rails Iil and are located above and in spaced relation to the latter to permit discharge of the sheets A from the main conveyor D. The rails I and III are in vertical alignment so that the edges of the sheets in the stack on the skid J will be kept in line when the skid is moved down subsequently to receive sheets from the main conveyor 1).

The stop plate I" is identical in its use with the stop plate I" but is shorter in length, This stop plate is secured to a cross-bar 2, the ends of which are suported on upperserrated edges of a pair of short support bars 2|! boltedto the lower stop plate I84 in being removable and no?- mallyis suspended in alignment with the lower plate.

When the empty platform N engages against the bottom of the skid J at the top of the uptravel of the platform, as herein fore mentioned and as best shown in Fig. 3; t lifts the skid slightly so that the weight is taken off the skid support arms I88. While theskid is thus slipported on the platform the skid support arms I88 are rocked outwardly away from the skid and this releases th skid. This is a momentary action and is efiected as soon as the platform reaches the top of its up travel. At the termination of the uptravel the control switch I16 is engaged by the pin I'll on the elevator chain. This operates the switch and immediately energizes the down solenoid I86. The lowerator brackets 8i with the platform N and with the loaded skid J thereupon starts moving through a downward travel toward the main conveyor D.

Rocking of the skid holding arms I88 to release the partly loaded skid J is brought about by a pair of normally deenergiz'ed holding solenoids 2 (Figs. 1, 3 and 4). These solenoids are supported in vertical position on two pairs of longitudinal beams 2I2 secured to bosses 2I8 formed on the long sleeves I88. Each solenoid is provided with a movable core 2 I 8 which extends down from the bottom of the solenoid. The lower end of each core is connected by a link 2I8 to the inner end of a lever 2H. Each lever is carried on a skid arm shaft I81. There are two of these levers. one for each skid arm shaft as best shown in Fig. 8.

When the holding solenoids 2 are energized their cores 2 I ii are pushed down, as viewed in Fig. 3 and thi movement rocks the levers 2I'ii, the kid arm shafts I81 and the skid holding arms I86. This is the way in which the skid J is released. Springs housed within the solenoids .and the weight of the skid arms and their support rails I85 return the arms to their original position when the solenoids are deenergized. This deenergizing of the solenoids takes place soon after the skid J starts to move down and while loading of the skid continues. .It is when the holding arms are again in their original position following such movement, that a new empty skid J is inserted in readiness 'for the next stack- The descending lowerator brackets 8I carrying the partly loaded skid J on the platform N comes to rest when the skid J is slightly below the upper run of the main conveyor D. For a better understanding of this action the skid may be considered to be a skid B as soon as it has been brought down. Then it is ready to receive sheets from the conveyor D to complete its stack.

It should be understood that this transfer of the skid from the upper level to the lower level is effected to prevent stopping of the machine at thev end of a count so that continuous operation may be had while maintaining an accurate count of the sheets piled in each stack. It is only at the beginning of the count that the sheets are diverted onto the auxiliary conveyor M and are carried by this conveyor to the skid when it is in the holding device K.

Just before the descending skid comes to rest at the end of a count, the gate L is lowered by the deenergizing of its solenoid ll. This stops manner outer frame legs 84. This plate therefore is like along the conveyor D so that they may be delivered to the skid now'considered as skid B, at

the lower level. Lowering of the gate is brought I about by the opening of a normally closed gate switch 22I (Figs. 3 and 10) which is secured to one of the lowerator frame legs 38.

stop pin 238 which is secured in the disc. One end of the spring is connected to the finger while the opposite end i fastened to the disc. The outer end of, the finger extends. beyond the disc in the path of travel of a trip pin 282 carried by one of the elevator, lowerator chains 8|.

' Hence as the chains SI move the loaded skid J down into its lower level position, the trip pin 2% carried on an ascending run of the chain, en gages the projecting end of the finger 221 and thus through the stop pin 230 rotates the disc 22d in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig.

10. Rotation of the disc in this direction brings its lug 223 down against the movable element 222 of the switch 22! and thus opens the switch. is a momentary action which is enacted as the trip pin passes the switch finger.

On an up travel of the elevator and while the trip pin 232 is moving down, the pin engages against the finger 221 and rocks it oil its pivot 22$ in a clockwise direction against the resistance of the spring 228 but does not rotate the disc. The switch 22I therefore is not operated during such time but remains in its closed condition.

Reference should be had to the preceding description of the lowering of the skid J by the closing of the switch I42. When the skid J comes into position at its desired lower level, the lowerator mechanism is brought to rest by the opening of a normally closed stop switch 286 (see Figs. 1 and 9). This switch i actuated by a trip pin 28'! carried on an adjacent lowerator chain 8i. The switch is secured to one of the outer frame legs 84. The switch box is formed with a bracket 288 which carries a pivot pin 24! onwhich a disc 242 5 Adjacent the chain, the disc i formed with a notch 245.

On the down travel of the lowerator. the trip pin 231 which iscarried on the upwardly moving run of the chain moves past the disc 242 and engages in the notch 245 of the disc. This rising pin thus rotates the disc in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 9. This presses the disc lug 243 down against the movable element of the switch and opens the switch. It is this action that stops the lowerator, as hereinbefore mentioned. i

A detent device holds the disc 242 in a shifted position. This device includes a spring barrel 248 which holds the switch open when the disc is moved into thisposition.

On an up travel of the elevator. the trip pin is disposed in a block 241 formed as 23! moves down and while passing the disc 242, again engages into the notch 24! and rotates the disc in a clockwise direction. This rotation on the disc lifts its lug 243 oi! the movable element oi the switch and thus permits the switch to close. The detent spring barrel engages into a notch 249 following this partial rotation and thus holds the disc stationary while the switch remains closed.

Reference should now be had to the wiring diagram in Fig. 15. As hereinbefore explained, each sheet A as it enters the machine, trips the counting finger E and thus opens the electric counting switch 80. shown at the right in the diagram.

One sideot this switch is connected by a wire "I to a main lead wire 302 which leads from a suitable source or electric energy such as a generator 303. The other side of the switch is connected by a wire 304 to a suitable recycling or self-setting electric counter 305 which may be o! the character disclosed in the above mentioned McMaster patent. The counter is also connected by a wire 308 to a main lead wire 308 which joins with the generator.

shown in the diagram this counting circuit 25 counter counts one sheet. when a predeterso mined number of sheets have been ,counted irr accordance with the setting or the counter, a

' relay circuit a is established momentarily. This is at the end of a count and establishes three nected by a wire "l to the coil of the solenoid 323 at the junction with the wire 322.

Hence when both oi the switches 22: and 323 are closed, electric energy from the generator lead wire 332,'passes along wire 828. closed gate switch 22l, wire 328, closed switch 32!, wire 33l, solenoid 320, wire 323, to the generator lead wire 303. This circuit holds the solenoid 323 energized until the gate control-switch 22l is opened by the lowering of the lowerator mechanism when bringing a partially filled skid into position at its lower counting level as hereinbefore explained.

Closing of the relay switch 326 by the energizing or the solenoid 320, establishes the circuit d which includes the gate solenoid 11. One side of the switch is connected by a wire 333 to the generator lead wire 803. The opposite side or the switch is connected by a wire 338 to the solenoid. The solenoid also is connected, by a wire 331 to the I generator lead wire 342.

diverting position until the gate control switch is opened as mentioned above.

Raising of a truck platform N to the top of the elevator mechanism H to pick up the skid J which isbeing loaded with sheets at the beginning of a count, is brought about through the establishment or a circuit e which includes the new cooperating circuits b, c, d which raise the to gate L into its sheet diverting position.

At theend o: the count, the counter 305 energizes a solenoid III which is part of a' normally open relay switch 312. One side or the solenoid is connected by a wire 313 to the counter. The so other side. oi the solenoid is connected by a wire 3i4'to the generator lead wire 302. 1

Hence at the end of a count, electric energy from the generator travels along .main lead wire 303, wire 308, through the counter wire 3l3, relay solenoid 3! I, wire 3, and main lead wire 302 back to the generator. Energy traveling along this circuit energizes the solenoid 3H and this closes the switch 312. This is only a momentary action, since the counter immediately re-sets itself and begins counting the next sheet which follows. This next sheet is number one in a new count for a new stack 01 sheets.

normally closedlimit switch "0 and the normally open push button switch I14. In this circuit the movable element of the limit switch I10 is connected by a wire 341 to the generator lead wire 303.

In its normal position, the movable element of the switch I10 engages a contact 342 which is connected by a wire 343 to one side of the push button switch H4. The opposite side of the button switch is connected by a wire 344 to a relay solenoid 345. The solenoid also is connected by a wire 34! to the generator lead wire 302. Hence when. the button switch is closed momentarily. electric energy passes along thi circuit e and energizes the relay solenoid 345.

Relay solenoid 343 controls four switches, two

' normally open switches 343. 349 and two normally However, the momentary closing of the switch 3|2 establishes the circuit b which includes a relay solenoid 320. One side or the switch is connected by a wire 32! to the generator'lead wire 302, while its opposite side is connected by a wire 322 to the relay solenoid. The solenoid is also connected by a wire 323 to'the generator lead wire 308. Electric energy passing along this circuit 11 while the switch U2 is closed, energizes the solenoid.

Energizing oi the relaysolenoid 32! closes two normally open switches 32!, 326 which are-lneluded respectively in the circuits 0 and d! Circuit c is a holding circuit for holding the solenoid 322 energized after the switch 3l2 opens. This circuit includes the gate control switch 22!, hereclosed switches 35!, 332. Closing of the normally open switch 243 establishes a holding circuit 1 which includes the normally closed limit switch I18 and which temporarily holds the solenoid 343 in an energized condition.

In this holding circuit 1, the movable element of the limit switch IN is connected by a wire I" to the generator lead wire 308. Normally the movable element of the limit switch engages a ccntact'fle which is connected by a wire :3! to one sidecf the relay switch 243. The other side or the relay switch is connected by awire 3" to the solenoid 348 at the junction with the wire Hence when the relay switch 343 closes, elec trio energy from the generator lead wire 333 passes along thecircuit. through the solenoid 345 and back along the wire 348 to the generator lead wire 302. This circuit cuts out the push button switch "4 and the limit switch "3 and thus keeps the solenoid 34! in an energized condition after the push button is released and the switch now closed switch 32!. Switch 323 also is con- '76 openedr @Closing of the relay switch 343 which is efr Hence when the relay 313 is closed, energy ie'cted simultaneously with the closing or the switch'343 just described, establishes a circuit which operates the elevator mechanism through 302. Electric energy passing along this circuitenergizes the up-solenoid I33 and this in turn shifts the clutch head II8 oi. the elevator actuating devices into mesh with the proper gear I I3 and thus rotates the shafts H2, I01, 91 in the proper direction, as hereinbetore described. This action operates the elevator on an upward travel. i As soon as the elevator begins to move up, the

switch operating pin I12 on one of the chains 3i,

moves away from the movable element of the limit switch I10. This permits the usual spring located within the switch to shift its movable element away from the contact 342. This opens the circuit e. This action also brings the movable element of the switch I13. into engagement with a contact 335 preparatory to the establishment of new circuitswhich will be hereinafter described. .When the elevator reaches the top of its up -.travel and brings the truck'platiorm into engagement with the skid J, the switch operating pin I11 (see also Fig. 3) on the chain 3i, engaging the movable element of the limit switch I13 and shifts it away from the contact 353. This opens the switch and breaks the solenoid holding circuit f.

, Breaking of the holding circuit I de-energizes I the solenoid 343 andthis opens the two closed relay switches 343, 349. It also recloses the two normally closed relay switches 33I, 352. These two lattel switches 35I, 352 were opened merely during the establishment of the holding circuit 1 and of the up-iast circuit g. Such a provision safeguards other circuits and prevents accidental establishment thereof during the up-travel oi the elevator. Openingoi therelay switch 349 breaks the up-fast circuit 9 and thus deenergizes the up-solenoid I33 stopping elevator travel.

It will be remembered that when the elevator reaches the top of its travel, the skid arms I33 ,release the skid J and permit its settling onto the raised platform N. This is brought about by theactuation oi the limit switch I13 which has .just been opened by -the shifting of itsmovable element away from the contact 353. y In shifting. .the element comes into-engagement with anew contact 333." This establishes a skid release circuith. w

Inthis skid releasecircuit h, the contact 333 .is connected by a 'wire31I to the coils' of a solenoid 312 of a relay. 313...The solenoid is connected by a wire 314 to the generator lead wire 302. ,Electric energyrfrom theigenerator lead wire 303 passing alongfthis .circuit by way of the wire 355. switch elementv I13. and contact 333, energizes the relay solenoid 312. i

When the relay solenoid is energized it closes .the relay. 313. p One side of relay 313 is connected .bya wire 313 .to the generator lead wire 303. The otherside isconnected by a wire 311 to one end i of each of the two skid release solenoids 2N The oppositeends.oisolenoids 2 are connected by gwires .313, 310 .tothe generator lead wire 302.

from the generator lead wire 332 passes through theskid release solenoids 2| I and energizes them.

It isthis action thatrocks the skid arms I33 outwardly and thus releases the partially loaded skid J so that it will be picked up and then will be handled by the raised platform N.

Simultaneously with the releasing of the skid J-, the lowerator starts down and carries the platform N and its skid J to the lower level to receive sheets from the main conveyor D. This dow'nward movement of the lowerator begins as soon as it reaches the peak of its u travel and is started by the breaking of the holding circuit 1 which deenergizes the solenoid 345 and closes the relay switch'35i. This lowering of the skid fast circuit 1." Such a circuit includes the down solenoid I33. Associated with circuit 1 is a low level circuit is which includes the low level stop switch 233.

In the low level circuit k, electric energy passes from the generator lead wire 303 along wire 3H, the movable element of the control limit switch I10, contact 335, a connecting wire-33L closedv low level stop switch 233, a connecting wire 332, a solenoid relay 333, and a wire 334 connecting with and returning to the generator lead wire 302. Energy passing along this circuit energizes the solenoid relay 333 and thus closes a relay switch 335 against a pair of contacts 333, 331. These contacts 383, 331 form a part of the downlast circuit i.

When down-fast circuit 1 is established electric energy passes by way of the wire 3, switch element I10, contact 365, a connecting wire-33L closed relay switch 35I. a connecting wire 332, contact 333, closed switch 335. contact 331, a connecting wire 333, down solenoid I33 and thence by way of a return wire 333 back to the generator lead wire 302. This energizes the down solenoid I34. Energizing of this solenoid shifts the clutch head H3 (see also Fig. 7) into engagement with the proper gear ill of the lowerator 2| I. The skid arms I33 thereupon return to their original positions in readiness for the reception oi any empty skid which will be manually placed as already fully-described. The shifting of the switch element into engagement with the con-- tact 353 also partially re-sets the holding circuit j in readiness for subsequent work.

As the skidJ approaches its lower level ad- Jacent the discharge end of the main conveyor D, the gate switch actuating pin 232 (see also Figs. 3 and 10) on one of the lowerator chains J9 trips the gate control switch/22L as hereinbeforc explained. Tripping of this switch lowers the gate L to cause the incoming sheets to travel along the main conveyor D.

Immediately following the tripping of the at. control switch 22I at which time the skid J arrives in place at its lower level, the stop switch 233 (see also Fig. 9) is opened by its actuating pin 231 on the adiacentlowerator chain; Opening 02 this stop switch breaks the stop circuit In and thereby de-energizes the solenoidrrelay 381 in this circuit. This action moves the relay switch 333 to break the down-last circuit 1, between the contact points 380 and 381. Thus the down solenoid I34 is deenergized and the'lowerator stops. This movement or the relay switch 385 causes it to close with a'pair of contacts 398, 381 a jog circuit 711 which will now be described.

when the skid is once in position adjacent the discharge end or the main conveyor D, its further downward movement is controlled by the high stack switch I42 and the low stack switch I48 as has been described in connection with Fig. 11. These Switches cooperate in Jogging the skid down a short distance at a time as the sheets A are delivered so that the top of the stack will be maintained slightly below the discharge level of the main conveyor. 7

As each sheet A is delivered into place on the stack it strikes the wire actuating arm I43 oi the high stack switch I42 and momentarily closes the switch. In order to prevent each such momentary closing of the switch from completing the Jog circuit at and from setting up an erratic action, a slow-closing. quick-opening time delay device "I is included in the circuit. The delay device includes a solenoid. 402 which operates a normally open relay switch 403. The retarding action oi the device I negatives any momentary switch closing and opening of the high stack cult and the down-Jog circuit which are controlled by the relay switches 411, 8 and the lowerator thus stops.

when the sheets delivered to the stack again build up sufllciently to again operate the high stack switch I42, the above described circuits are reestablished and the skid again moves down to permit the building up oi! the stack. In this manner the skid is repeatedly log ed down until the end of the count is reached and until the delivery of "sheets to this particular stack is completed.

At the end or the count, the loaded skid is ready to be moved down onto a truck C which in the meantime has been placed in the lowerator. This lowering of the skid is brought about by manual closing of the push button switch I30. One side of this push button is connected by a wire 423 to the contact 366 of the limit switch I10. The other side of the button switch is connected by a wire 429 to the solenoid 323 which, it will be recalled, controls the relay switch 325. r

By closing the push button switch I88, electric energy from the generator lead wire 300 passes along wire 34I, switch element I10, contact 245; wire 428, closed push button I40. wire 428, solenoid 383, wire 384, returning to the generator lead wire 302. This energizes the solenoid 303 which the eupon shiits the movable element of the switch 385 into engagement with the contacts 320, 301 or the down-fast circuit 1. This reestablishes. the down-fast circuit 1 and the loaded is high enough to hold the high stack switch I42 closed, the time: delay solenoid 402 is energizedand this slowly closes the relay switch 403. Energizing of the time delay solenoid is enacted by electric energy which passes from the generator lead wire 30!, along the wire 34L switch element I10, contact 366, a connecting wire 400, closed high stack switch M2, delay solenoid 402 and a connecting wire 408 returning to thegenerator lead wire 302.

When the relay switch 403 closes, the log circuit m is established. In this circuit energy trom the generator lead wire 303, passes along wire 34'I, switch element I10, contact 36!, wire 405, the closed low stack switch I40, a connecting wire 408, closed relay switch 403, a connecting wire 400 which leads to the closed switch 352. through that switch, a wire 4, contact 386, closed relay switch 30!, contact 331, a connecting wire 4, a solenoid 4I3, and a connecting wire 4 back to the generator lead wire 302.

Energy assing along this circuit m energizes the solenoid 4I3 which in its turn closes two connecting relay switches, a holding switch 4", and a down-switch 4". The holding switch 4" is connected bya wire "I to one side of, the low stack switch I40. 0n the other side, the holding switch is further connected by a wire 422 to one side of the relay switch 352. These connections cut out the time delay switch 403 so that when it opens. the'circuit 1n will still be maintained by the connections just described.

. The-down-switch "I is connected by a wire 42! to the generator lead wire 300 and by a wire 420 to the down solenoid I34. Thus when this switch is closed the down solenoid is energized and the lowerator actuating mechanism thereupon lowers the skid and the stacker sheets carried thereon. when the toner the stack reaches a level where it releases the wire arm III, the low stack switch towns as hereinbeiore mentioned. This breaks the holding cirdown solenoid I34 is energized, bringing the lowerator actuating devices into pla'y'and moving the loaded skid down onto its truck.

The push button switch I09 must be held closed until the loaded skid is deposited on the truck. and when the skid reaches the truck, the lowerator is automatically stopped. This is brought about by the switch control pin I12 which it will be recalled, is carried on the lowerator chain 9| adjacent the limit switch I10. At t the bottom of the down travel of the lowerator.

the pin I12 shifts the movable element 0! the switch I10 away from the contact 305 and returns it into engagement with the contact342. This breaks those circuits connecting with contact 300 and partially restores those connecting with contacts 342. This sets the elevator, lowerator mechanism in proper condition to repeat the entire process as just explained, for the next stack which is loading on a skid J in the skid.

holding devices K.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood irom the foregoing description, and it will be appareat that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement oi the parts without departing from the spirit and scope oi the invention. or sacrificing all of its material advantages. the form hereinbeiore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We claim:

1. In a sheet counting and stacking machine, the combination 01 a counting device 101 count-- ing individual sheets as they are received from a source or supply, means -i'or holding a skid in position to receive a predetermined number of sheets as they are being counted, said skid with the sheets being removable item the machine when loaded, means for holding an auxiliary skid adjacent the skid on which the counted sheets are being received, means operable by said counter when the predetermined number of asraasi sheets have been counted for stopping the deliv ry of sheets to said loaded skid and 101' transicrring delivery or the following sheets to said auxiliary skid, means for shitting said auxiliary skid with the sheets received thereon into the place of said loaded skid while the latter is bein removed from the machine and without interruption oi the counting of sheets, and means for restoring said auxiliary skid holding .means as an incident to placing a new auxiliary skid in position for the reception of sheets at the end oi the count when the skid being loaded has received its predetermined number of sheets.

2. In a sheet counting and stacking machine, the combination or means for counting sheets moving'along a predetermined path of travel in a continuous procession, a main conveyor for advancing the counted sheets, means adiacent said conveyor for supporting a skid for receiving the counted sheets to form a stack, said skid being removable from its position adjacent said conveyor when a stack of a predetermined number oi sheets has been deposited thereon, an auxiliary conveyor adjacent said main conveyor, a gate between said conveyors and operable by said counting means for diverting counted sheets from said main conveyor to said auxiliary conveyor so that interruption ofthe progress of the sheets will be prevented at the end oi a count for one stack and the starting of a count for a new succeeding stack, means adjacent said auxiliary co nveyor for supporting an empty auxiliary skid for receiving the sheets diverted thereto to form a new stack while the completed stack is being removed from the machine, mechanism for shitting said auxiliary skid on which said new stack is being formed into position'adjac'ent said main conveyor to take the place or the loaded removed skid, and devices for shifting said gate with the shifting of said auxiliary skid so that the counted sheets will travel along said main conveyor for delivery to said auxiliary skid to complete the stack while maintaining anaccurate and continuous count of the sheets in the stack.

3. In a sheet counting and stacking machine, the combination of a counting device for counting individual sheets asthey are received from a source of supply, a vertically movable elevator disposed in spaced relation to said counting device and carrying a skid for'receiving a predetermined number of sheets as they are individually counted and for holding them in stacked order, a holding mechanism located above said elevator for retaining an empty auxiliary skid, means operable by said counter when the predetermined number of sheets has been-counted for stopping the further delivery of sheets to said loaded skid and for transferring following sheets to the empty auxiliary skid to begin the forming of a new stack thereon, means for removing said loaded skid from the machine, and actuating devices tor operating said elevator to deposit the loaded skid onto said removing means and to shift said auxiliary skid into position at the place vacated by said loaded skid to receive sheets for the completion of its stack,

4. In a sheet counting and stacking mechanism, the combination of a countin device for counting individual sheets as they are received from a source ofsuppiy, a main conveyor for advancing the counted sheets, an auxiliary conveyor disposed at a level above said main conveyor, a gate between said conveyors for diverting counted sheets from said main conveyor to the higher level, a vertically movable elevator disposed adjacent the ing individual sheets as they are a source or supply,

outer ends or said conveyors, meant above said elevator tor supporting I. skid for initially receiving counted sheets from said auxiliary conveyor, actuating means for operating said elevator to pick up the skid at the upper level of the auxiliary conveyor and to carry it down to the lower level oi the main conveyor to receive sheets therefrom for the completion 0! the stack while an empty skid is being placed at the upper level for a subsequent stack, and devices operable by said elevator when the skid reaches the lower level for shitting said gate from the auxiliary conveyor to the main conveyor so that sheets will advance slog:- the main conveyor for delivery onto the. sta

5. In a sheet counting and stacking mechanism,

the combination of a counting device for countreceived from a main conveyor for advancing the counted sheets, an auxiliary conveyor disposed at a level above said main conveyor, a gate between said conveyors i'or diverting counted v sheets from said main conveyor to the higher level, a vertically movable elevator disposed ad- ,iacent the outer ends of said conveyors, means above said elevator for supporting a skid tor initially receiving counted sheetsirom said aw iliary conveyor, actuating means for operating conveyor so that sheets will advance said elevator to'pick up the skid at the upper level ot the auxiliary conveyor and to carry it down to the lower level of the main conveyor to receive sheets therefrom for the completion of the stack while an empty skid is being placed at the upper level for a subsequent stack, instrumentalities connecting with said skid supporting means and operable by said elevator for releasing the skid so that it can be picked up by said elevator, and devices operable. by said elevator when the skid reaches the lower level for shifting said gate from the auxiliary conveyor to the main along the main conveyor for delivery onto the stack.

6. In a sheet counting and stacking mechanism, the combination of a counting device for counting individual sheets as they are received from a source 01' supply, a vertically movable elevator dlsposed in spaced relation to said counting device, movable support arms located above said elevator for retaining a skid for the reception of the counted sheets, electric solenoids connecting with said support arms for controlling their operation, actuating means for operating said elevator level to another to,

to shift the skid from one receive a predetermined number of sheets, and electric means operable by said elevator for actuating said solenoids and through them said support arms to release the skid so that it may be shifted by said elevator.

7. In a sheet counting and stacking mechanism, the combination of a counting device for counting individual sheets as they are received from a source of supply, a vertically movable elevator disposed in spaced relation to said counting device, a holding mechanism located above said elevator for retaining a skid adapted to receive the-counted sheets, a reversing gear mechanism for actuating said elevator upwardly to receivethe skid from said holding mechanism and downwardly to lower the skid to a lower feed level for the reception of a predetermined number of'sheets, a pair of electric solenoids connecting with said reversing gear,

individual sheets as they are received irom a source or supply, a vertically movable elevator disposed in spaced relation to said counting device, a holding mechanism located above said elevator ior retaining a skid adapted to receive the counted sheets, a reversing gear mechanism for actuating said elevator upwardly to receive the skid irom said holding mechanism and downwardly to lower the skid to a lower iced level ior the reception oi a predetermined number oi sheets, a pair oi electric solenoids connecting with said reversing gear, one oi said solenoids being arranged to control the up travel oi said elevator and the other the down travel, electric switches connecting with said soleholds to control their operation, and a pair oi high and low stack electric switches operable by a stack oisheets on said skid while at said lower ieed level and connecting with the electric solenoid that controls the down movement oi the elevator ior periodically lowering the elevator and the skid carried therein in time with the building up oi the stack oi sheets on the skid so that the top oi the stack will always be in a proper position to receive the counted sheets as they are delivered onto the stack, one oi said stack switches being utilized to start the lowering oi the elevator and the other to control 'the stopping oi the elevator. 4

9. In a sheet counting and stacking machine,

the combination oi acounting device ior counting individual sheets as they are received irom a source oi supply. vertically movable means ior supporting a main skid member in position to receive a predetermined number oi sheets as they are being counted. said skid with its counted sh ts thereon being removable irom the machine, means on said machine ior holding an auxiliary skid member in variable spaced relation to said main skid member on which the counted sheets are being received. and main and auxiliary conveyor means selectively controlled by said counting device ior respectively and. successively delivering counted sheets to be stacked to said main and auxiliary skid members during vertical movement oi said vertically movable means, whereby to insure against interruption oi the counting oi the sheets and also while a said loaded skid member is being removed irom the machine.

10. In a sheet counting and stacking machine. the combination oi means for counting sheets moving along a predetermined path oi travel in a continuous procession, a main conveyor ior advancing the counted sheets. vertically movable means disposed adiacent said conveyor ior supporting a main skid member while the latter is remember is being removed irom the machine, and means ior vertically moving said main skid member supporting means during counting oi the sheets being deposited upon said skids, whereby to insure against interruption in the continuous counting oi said sheets.

11. In a sheet counting and stacking machine, the combination oi a counting device ior counting individual sheets as they are received irom a source oi supply, a vertically movable elevator disposed in spaced relation to said counting device ior supporting a main skid member ior receiving a predetermined number oi sheets as they are individually counted and ior holding them in stacked order, a holding mechanism located in the machine above said elevator and operable in timed relation with the latter ior supporting an empty auxiliary skid member in variable spaced relation to said main skid member, means ior vertically moving said elevator in timed relation to the delivery oi counted sheets to said main and-auxiliary skid members, and main and auxiliary conveyor means selectively controlled by said counting device ior respectively and successively delivering counted. sheets to be stacked to said main and auxiliary skid members.

12. In a sheet counting and stacking machine. the combination oi a counting device ior countin individual sheets as they are received item a source oi supply, a vertically movable elevator disposed in spaced relation to said counting device and supporting a main skid ior receiving a'predetermined number oi sheets as they are individually counted and ior holding them in stacked order, actuating means ior said elevator ior periodically shitting the supported skid irom an upper level to a lower level in timed relation with the building up oi counted sheets thereon, whereby to insure that successive sheet loaded skids may be a continuously removed irom the elevator and solving the counted sheets to iorm a stack. said able means being also disposed in variable sp ced relation to said auxiliary conveyor and cooperating with means on said machine ior supporting an empty auxiliary skid member designed ior receiving the sheets diverted from said main conveyor ior a new counted sheet stack while the completed and counted stack on said main skid empty auxiliary skids replaced therein without interruption oi the counting and stacking oi the sheets. and main, and auxiliary conveyor means selectively controlled by said counting device ior respectively and successively delivering counted sheets to be stacked to said main and auxiliary skid members.

13. In a sheet counting and stacking machine, the combination oi a counting device ior counting individual sheets as they are received irom a source oi supply, a vertically movable elevator disposed in spaced relation to said counting device and carrying a main skid member ior receiving a predetermined number oi sheets as they are individually counted and for holding them in stacked order. actuating means ior said elevator to shiit the skid member irom one level to another level while receiving counted sheets so that a loaded skid member may be removed irom the elevator .and an empty auxiliary skid member on said elevator may commence to receive counted sheets without interruption oi the counting and the stacking oi the sheets. means atone'oi said levels ior periodically lowering said elevator and'the skid member carried therein in time with the building up oi the stack oi sheets on the skid so that the top oi the stack will always be in a proper position to'receive the counted sheets as they are delivered onto the stack. and conveyor means controlled by said counting device ior delivering counted sheets to be stacked to said main and auxiliary skid members. i

v HENRY W. LINDGREN.

FBI!) 8. NEMITZ. 

